Jacks Fall in Overtime

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX– Despite holding an early 1-0 lead, the Odessa Jackalopes dropped a hard-fought contest to the Corpus Christi IceRays 2-1 Friday via an overtime penalty shot conversion for the IceRays’ Eric Purcell at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi. With the loss, the Jacks fell to 0-3-2 on the season.

Alex Ostrowski led the way offensively for the Jacks as he tallied his first goal of the season late in the initial period on an unassisted play to stake Odessa to a 1-0 lead. The shots on goal were nearly even through the first with Corpus Christi holding a slim 11-10 edge, but the IceRays took control in the second, outshooting the Jacks 14-5 and finishing the game with a 42-23 edge in that category.

After a six-man brawl early in the second period the Jacks were forced to play without Ostrowski and forward TJ Sennott who both earned game misconducts and fighting majors in the melee. Garrett Van Tuyl also received a fighting major following a bout with IceRays forward Michael Dery, who was also ejected.

The standout player of the game for Odessa was without question starting netminder Connor Hellebuyck, who withstood an all-out assault from Corpus down the stretch, stopping 41 of the 42 total shots he faced.

The Jacks will look for their first win as an NAHL team and their first win of the season on Friday September 30th, when they host the IceRays in Odessa at Ector County Coliseum for the 2011-12 Jackalopes home opener.

The Odessa Jackalopes celebrate their 15th Anniversary in 2011-12 and drop the puck on their inaugural campaign as a member of the North American Hockey League. Season tickets, mini-plans, and single game tickets are available by calling (432) 552-7825 or visiting jackalopes.org.

Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all season long, and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the official “Odessa Jackalopes” fan page on Facebook.